Fractals are basically objects having 'infinite detail'. This detail is not all visible at once, of course, but gradually reveals itself as you 'look' closer and closer at the fractal object, such as under increasing magnification. Since at each increasing magnification level (scale) new details appear, fractals are sometimes referred to as 'invariant to scaling'. The subdivision of detail at
one level into finer-scale detail at another level is indicative of hierarchical structure.

What makes fractals very interesting for generative image creation purposes is this characteristic of achieving ever more amazingly detailed images and bizarre, unexpected abstract compositions by using the attributes of fractal image generators. These are achieved by entering various combinations of formulae, tweaking the gradient parameters and endlessly magnifying the image.

Some fractal image generators that I find interesting and easy to use are the following

Fractal Explorer:
Fractal Explorer downloads
Tutorial

Ultra Fractal:
http://www.ultrafractal.com/

Mystica:
http://www.dawntec.com/mystica/

Chaoscope:
http://www.btinternet.com/~ndesprez

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